Stable development in the agricultural machinery markets despite regional drought:

• Sales revenue rises by 3.4% to a new high of 3.88 billion euros
• Profit before taxes clearly improved at 226 million euros
• Record level of investment in research and development
• Outlook for 2019: Slight growth in revenue and stable earnings

Harsewinkel/Düsseldorf  — January 16, 2019 — Claas, one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery worldwide, was able to increase its sales to a new record of 3.889 billion euros (previous year: 3.761 billion euros). Profit before taxes increased to 226 million euros (previous year: 184 million euros).

“We have continued our growth in a volatile market environment and once again significantly improved our profitability. A strong impetus originated from Germany and Western Europe in particular,” said Hermann Lohbeck, speaker of the Claas Executive Board.

The global market for professional agricultural technology saw continued development this year, in line with associated expectations. Against this background, Claas improved revenue in core countries including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In Eastern Europe, a slight project-related decline in sales was observed. A mixed picture emerged in the countries outside of Europe: while sales in North America increased in the local currency, China recorded a decline as a result of market uncertainty.

Spending on research and development at a record level
The investments made in research and development reached a new record with 233 million euros (previous year: 217 million euros) and have doubled over the past ten years. 

With the European launch of the JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC, Claas was the first manufacturer to bring a forage harvester with an integrated crawler track solution to the market. The new, award-winning concept offers the best soil protection in all conditions. The JAGUAR will be complimented by a new ORBIS corn header designed to provide an optimal crop flow. The TUCANO combine harvester range, not available in North America, has entered the next generation with an expanded range of models. 

Major innovations also occurred in forage harvesting. In addition to the newly developed ROLLANT 540 round baler, the DISCO MOVE front mower was also launched which features optimal ground contour adaptation.

Investments in fixed assets are increasing significantly 
CLAAS not only invested in new products but also in an innovative working environment. Investments in fixed assets are rising noticeably. The course remains set for growth in the tractor business with the modernization of the main assembly line started in Le Mans, France. The customer-oriented service and replacement parts business is also being expanded. 

Moreover, a new high-bay warehouse is being built in Hamm, Germany, which will double capacity to 58,000 pallet bays. The new test center for machine components was completed at the main production facility in Harsewinkel, Germany. In addition, larger investments were made on new distribution centers in the United Kingdom and France.

Number of employees worldwide grows slightly
The number of employees around the world grew slightly to 11,132 on September 30, 2018 (previous year: 10,961). A similar trend was seen in Germany, where 5,295 employees were employed by the end of the business year (previous year: 5,100). The number of trainee positions increased in 2018 to 714 (previous year: 677).

Outlook
Claas expects stable development in the global agricultural engineering markets for the 2019 fiscal year, despite regional uncertainties. Increasing demand for professional agricultural technology continues to be a driving force. General risks lie particularly in global trade disputes that also affect agricultural goods. In view of this market assessment, Claas expects sales revenue slightly above the level of the previous year for the current business year and a stable result before taxes.